Category Archives: Proverbs

Tony Funderburk shares messages of faith, hope, and love found in the book of Proverbs

Tony Funderburk Posted on by

When you get right down to it, it’s pretty easy to brew up a good batch of anger issues. Right? Yeah, pretty much anyone can do it. With one arm tied behind ’em. And since that’s true, think about honeybees.

“Huh? Honeybees and anger issues?”

Honeybees build waxy honeycombs. And that’s where they store their larvae and the nectar they gather from flowers. Honeycomb cells are designed so that two opposing honeycomb layers nest into each other. And each facet of the closed ends is shared by opposing cells. Individual cells don’t show that geometric perfection. So, in other words, the honeycomb needs all the parts to provide the sweet and delicious honey.

Are you with me? Or do I still seem crazy for connecting honeybees with anger issues?

Well…

The Bible says “Pleasant words are like a honeycomb, sweetness to the soul and health to the bones”.

A honeycomb needs all its parts to provide that sweet, yummy honey. And humans need pleasant words. Because no one can live a full and happy life without them. God says they’re “health to the bones.” So, my guess is they must be health to your bones. And mine.

But here’s the problem. Or at least the start of it.

No one is born with a natural immunity to anger.

So, you gotta be fortified. And I mean with something stronger and better than your “self.” For Christians, fortification is easier. Because we know we have the Word of God (And if you don’t already have that assurance, I recommend you look into it). It’s literally health to your bones. Because it’s the Bread of Life and the Living Water your soul and spirit can drink and eat from forever.

But for someone who doesn’t believe in the Creator God, it’s not easy.

Think about how often you’ve “flown off the handle.” Or how about all the times you “pitched a fit.” Or maybe you just “lashed out” at someone because they didn’t understand your valuable, relevant, and most important needs.

When that happened, did you say something hurtful or cruel? Did you slam your fist down on a table or against a wall? And did you make demands? Sure, they seemed reasonable in your mind. But to the other person…not so much.

I could spell out some descriptions. But I bet you know what a face full of anger issues looks like.

So, consider this. When you’re angry and you make your “important demands,” don’t be surprised if you only get negative results. But what if you paused before you spoke? And what if you thought, “Hmm…would what I’m about to say be something I’d like to hear them say to me?”

You’ll know what the answer is whether or not you’d care to admit it. So, if what you would say wouldn’t be something you’d want said to you, then don’t say it. Consider using pleasant words instead. Crazy talk, I know, but it literally couldn’t hurt to try. Or, at the very least, remember the old saying…

“If you can’t say anything good, don’t say anything at all”.

I want you and yours to be healthy, happy, and live forever in Heaven. So, I encourage you to search the Bible for answers. To anger issues and basically all others. Your bones and loved ones will be glad you did.

Spoon-feed the apathy and watch it grow
Into the cold hard truth,
And if you never care, then you will never know…
It’s such a cold hard truth.

(lyrics from the song: Cold Hard Truth)

Stay tuned,

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You probably haven’t noticed. But a lot of people sure have a lot of opinions. And they sure don’t mind sharing them with you. Even when you didn’t ask or request. And I wish most of them would shut up already. Because their opinions are about as silly as the sound of their voice when they share them.

But I hope you shut up, too.

Uh-oh. I’ve gone and done it now. Right? It was OK for me to talk about “them.” But now I just fired a verbal shot at you. And that’s a bridge too far.

Well, ease up their buddy boy (or girl). Let me explain. And hopefully it’ll ease the burn of the bullet. This is something I shared years ago. And it’s truer now than ever.

When people around you fly off the handle, that’s a good time to keep your lips sealed. Wanna know why? Because then you won’t sin. When everybody’s yelling at each other, they say mean and hurtful things.. Sometimes they even yell out lies. Other times someone calls another person a name, and things really go wrong.

When you see that happening, shut up.

But what good does that do?

Well, for one thing, you won’t get caught up in the terrible things.

I’m sharing this with you for your own protection. If people around you are doing awful things, you don’t wanna be part of that. Do you? No, it’s not good or smart to get caught up in all that. That’s why God says someone who keeps his lips sealed is wise.

And being wise is the best thing you can be. Wisdom is something you should work on your whole life. There’s no time better than now to get started.

So, if you find yourself around somebody who’s yelling, or saying terrible things, or just trying to be mean…just shut up. Don’t fall for it. You’ll be doing a mighty good thing. And when you do, let me know about it…OK?

Just shut up when others yell.
It’s the wise choice. Time will tell
How you were smart and trusted God.
Just shut up and only nod.

Stay tuned,

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I read some clips from articles that talked about what a man wants in a wife. If you’re a happily married man, you probably already know that the consistent top answer is “a woman who is faithful to you.” Right? Because if you marry (or date) someone who isn’t faithful, even a supermodel is gonna make your life miserable.

But a woman/wife who’s faithful to you can be infinitely valuable.

Because you truly can have an eternity of connection. I’m fortunate, on multiple levels, to have a wife like that. Matter of fact, I’m not sure I’d even be here, now, if it wasn’t for her.

By the way, all this is true in reverse. Women prefer (and deserve) a man/husband who’s faithful, too. Because a good and healthy marriage seeks to be mutually beneficial.

One clip I read called this faithfulness “integrity.” Here’s what it said…

“Integrity is doing the right thing, even when nobody’s watching. This is even more apparent when considering what a man wants from his wife. When doing the right thing, whatever the situation is, comes naturally to a woman, it’s a clear signal to a man that he can trust her as a life partner and can be proud of who she is as a person.”

I obviously agree with the principle of that assertion. But I dislike the whole “life partner” thing that rears its silly head in so many places these days. My wife is NOT my partner. Because life is NOT a business. It’s a journey. So, my wife is my companion and helpmate on this journey. And I’m her companion and pilot.

And I know this kind of talk sounds misogynistic to a lot of people.

But only because the common narrative, these days, is an attempt to make men and women equal. And nothing could be further from the truth. Well, maybe there are some extremes that could be further from the truth. But you get my point.

The Bible says that a man “who finds a wife finds a good thing.” Yes, the Bible places the emphasis on what men are supposed to do. But it’s because God wants men to be MEN. And He wants men to lead and protect wives, mothers, sisters, and daughters the way He leads men.

And you can trust God to lead the right way. Because He is faithful to you. Sure, I know you’ve heard about and read how you’re supposed to be faithful to Him. But that’s so much easier when you realize how infinitely more faithful He is to you. It’s like this…

God is faithful in His word
And in His love and deeds.
He knows you are tempted here,
And He knows all your needs.
He provides forever life,
Forever love and care.
Ask Him to be with you now.
He’s faithful to your prayer.

Stay tuned,

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I know people (too many, in fact) who never have nothing to say. Evidently they’ve never heard of a guy named Sol who talked about not talking too much.

That being said, it’s still good to have something important to say. Or wise to share.

And, for a writer, a lack of words can lead to frustration. Sometimes.

Several years ago, I challenged myself to write when I had nothing to say.

And it all started because of a bunch of “left brain” work I had to do. So, my “right brain” felt like it was asleep. But I figured, since I had nothing to say, I’d write about that. And here’s what came out…

“I have an empty brain.

At least today…right this very minute…it certainly feels that way. I’ve been doing some studying and researching some up-to-the-minute marketing techniques for writers, and ironically it has left me wordless…so to speak.

So, I decided to try an experiment. I titled this post “empty brain” and began typing about my frustration at not having the write words to write. Just to see where it would lead. Have you ever had a day when something you truly love to do just evades you at every turn? If so, what did you do about it?

I believe my condition has come about due to information overload. And not the kind of information that typically inspires me to write. I’m talking about nuts and bolts information. The kind of stuff that supposed to help you know what to do with your work. But not the kind of stuff that draws word pictures in your head. Know what I mean? Normally I can jump-start my writing just by thinking of a creative word…or color…or sound, etc.

But today…words ran and hid in the deeper, darker corners of my mind.

The little neurons in my brain fired at them as they scampered by…but no direct hits. Only near misses and untarnished targets.

And so…my empty brain syndrome continues. I’ll admit something to you, if you promise not to pass it along. I don’t find this amusing, and it makes me mad. I’m almost always able to tap my inner prolific writer and create something I can pass along. But today you’ll have to endure this drivel of a whining, moaning, oh-woe-is-me words and music dude.

But…as I often tell others who are suffering through things… ‘this, too, shall pass.’

And who woulda thunk it?

I’ve managed to bang out over 300 words on the subject of not having anything to say.”

All I Need Is Some Time

I’ve no one to hold and nothing to say,
But give me some time, and I’ll find me a way
To know what I need and to feel what I know…
To flow with my thoughts and to let my thoughts flow.

All I need is some time to hold in my hands.
All I want is some time to hold in my arms.

I used to be cruel. Now I try to be kind.
I used to be hard. Now I’m easy to find.
There’s so much to change, and I’ve changed quite a lot.
I know what I want, and I want what I’ve got.

All I need is some time to hold in my hands.
And all I want is some time to hold in my arms.
All I need is some time.
All I want is some time.

© 1977 Tony Funderburk  (May 1)

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I didn’t decide to call my blog and podcast Rhyme and Reason just because I thought it sounded cool. It’s because those words represent what I call the poetic style of God.

And God’s poetic style can be found all around you.

There have been plenty of times when I wrote or talked about how poetic the Bible is. But if you think I’m wrong, take a stroll through the Psalms and Proverbs for starters.

Psalms are songs. And the Proverbs are short tidbits of poetic wisdom. You can see the love of God pouring out of those books and the rest of the Bible.

Poetry and science reveal God’s love.

After all…that’s really what the story of the whole Bible is about…God’s love.

His love was and is so great that He created you with your own will. So, you can choose to love Him…or not.

And whether you do or not, you still have a universe that’s far more immense than you’d ever need to survive. So, He must have made it that big so we’d have something to stare into and ponder.

And countless poems, stories, and songs have been written by doing that. Tons of them are just about the sun, moon, and stars. And I bet there are plenty of others about the galaxies, supernovas, and comets.

OK, that’s the poetic part. But what about the science part of God’s love?

Well, start with this. Did you know our sun is approximately 400 times farther away from us than the moon? And did you also know the sun is approximately 400 times larger than the moon? And did you know that is precisely what makes it so easy to see a total eclipse of the sun every once in a while?

I believe God did it that way just because it pleased Him to share the brilliant spectacle with us?

Have you ever considered how dead our planet would be if the moon was just a little farther away? Or how our oceans would probably kill us all if it was closer? You might say it’s a random accident. But you’d be wrong. Because it’s by God’s design. And He did it so the seas would be filled with life and give us limitless fish dinners.

I’ve written hundreds of thousands of words about how beautiful the design of life truly is.

But I hope you’ll look into it for yourself.

Don’t take my word for it that you’re here because God created you.

Check out the evidence. See if you can come to that awesome conclusion on your own.

I’ll be glad to talk with you about it, if you like. One great resource for the science part I highly recommend is a book called “In The Beginning” by Dr. Walt Brown. And try out this poetry inspired by God’s word: “The Ballad of the White Horse” by G.K. Chesterton.

Till next time, I pray you find the rhyme and reason for your life in God’s word.

Stay tuned,
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I know a man who is the personification of wisdom. And this man has the deepest respect from all his friends. He’s living proof that humility is wise. And I defy you to find anyone who has done more for his (or her) friends…or even enemies.

But what’s that got to do with the whole humility is wise thing. Right?

Unless you understand the value of humility, you can’t understand why it’s the wisest trait to have. And until you’re humble, you’re on a rocky road. With no shock absorbers.

I remember that old Mac Davis song, “Hard To Be Humble” from back in 1980. The lyrics said,

“Oh Lord, it’s hard to be humble,
When you’re perfect in every way.
I can’t wait to look in the mirror,
‘Cause I get better lookin’ each day.”

And it’s a funny song. But it’s funny, because you know…or at least you should know…those lyrics don’t apply to anybody. They blend pride and false humility together like fruit in a Vitamix.

But, you might have noticed, if you’ve been paying attention, how pride is a big deal these days. And more often than not, it’s pride for something completely against God, His commandments, and His promises. But in a world that increasingly hates God, it’s no surprise. After all, when you can thumb your nose at God as you publicly display your hatred for Him, you can feel empowered.

But pride and power are like oil and water.

If anyone ever had the right to be prideful, it’s that man I mentioned earlier. But that wasn’t his M.O. And he never used his position or power against his fellow man. So, it’s amazingly sad and despicable how much he was hated. And hated so much that he was condemned for crimes he didn’t commit. And he was sentenced to death. Even after being found innocent.

I’m sure that last short paragraph gave it away who I’m talking about. But it’s Him you and I should compare ourselves to. Because when we do, pride should be the last thing in our heads. Better yet, it should be non-existent. And it should be replaced with humility.

When you can humble yourself and admit that you’re not all that, then you’ve made a wise choice.

A choice that says you wanna live forever in paradise with the One who made you and loves you.

And your wise humility will gain access to the heart of your Creator who offers you eternal life.

That’s why, and how, humility is the wisest trait you can have.

A word to the confounded”
Pour light into your eyes.
If you expect more than neglect,
Get wisdom; yeah get wise.

Stay tuned,

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I had my eyes examined (no, not my head) a couple of weeks ago. And this week I got my new glasses. Plus, this is my 2020th post here on TonyFunderburk.com. So, those two things, and a couple of other unnamed things, got me thinking about that expression, “hindsight is 20 20.”

From what I’ve been able to figure out, with only a little research…because I don’t wanna spend a lot of time on it…is that the expression probably started somewhere around the mid 1900’s.

Hindsight is 20 20 is a metaphor that doesn’t work as much anymore.

Because it implies that you can look back in time and see, more clearly, what you woulda coulda shoulda done. And it’s another way of saying “those who don’t learn from the past are destined to repeat it.”

The expression is based on something known as the Snellen chart. And if you’ve ever had an eye examination, you’ve seen the chart. Those rows of letters that get smaller and smaller. And the doctor asks you to cover one eye and read the smallest line you can see.

(side note: For some reason they have fewer lines than when I was younger, but anyway…)

So, when you can see the chart clearly, with both eyes, from a distance of 20 feet, your vision is 20/20.

But here’s a little plot twist.

Just because your vision might be categorized as 20/20 doesn’t mean it’s perfect vision. It just means you have clear, sharp vision when you look straight ahead. And your ophthalmologist (there’s a word you need glasses for) will still wanna test your peripheral and depth perception.

But it’s the looking ahead, compared to looking back, that I think is interesting.

Because you can get a prescription to see what’s in front of you more clearly. And that can help you avoid running into a door. Or help you drive safely. But there’s no prescription for looking back in time.

And even if there were a prescription, it wouldn’t help. Because you still couldn’t do anything about what happened five minutes ago. Let alone 20 years ago.

But you CAN learn from your past mistakes. And you CAN do better as you move forward. But it’s gonna require a prescription most people don’t want.

Get wisdom.

Yeah, wisdom. Not book smarts. Not street smarts. Pure, unadulterated wisdom.

And most people don’t wanna do that because they don’t wanna go where it is. They’d rather hide their heads in books. Or turn their ears to the streets. But the world doesn’t contain wisdom.

The world is full of “unrighteousness, sexual immorality, wickedness, covetousness, maliciousness; envy, murder, strife, deceit, evil-mindedness.”

And that list manipulates people into being “whisperers, backbiters, haters of God, violent, proud, boasters, inventors of evil things, disobedient to parents, undiscerning, untrustworthy, unloving, unforgiving, unmerciful.”

Have you noticed anybody that fits any of those descriptions?

If not, then I think it’s time for your eye exam.

And I’d like to recommend the best way to look back so you can see clearly as you move forward. And, of course, my recommendation is to read the bestselling book of all time. The Bible.

Or you can keep running into walls,
Sliding down slopes,
Falling off cliffs,
And reaching for ropes,
Never looking up
For your dreams and hopes.
Running into walls,
And sliding down slopes.

Stay tuned,

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